Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous Adebayo was stupendous early; Herro was magnificent in the second half. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025 Since Frick’s 1919 death, this stupendous museum has added countless gifts and acquisitions. Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025 Had the film debuted to stupendous reviews, this controversy may have been muted. Erik Kain, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 Crested Butte, a small ski town about four hours southwest of Denver, is so blessed with stupendous mountain blooms, it has been nicknamed the Wildflower Capital of Colorado. Ashlea Halpern, AFAR Media, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • Colombia’s coastal cities are famous for their cuisine, but don’t overlook their wonderful street foods.
    Cat Sposato, AFAR Media, 15 May 2025
  • Its deep, shiny green foliage is a wonderful complement to the perfectly peachy hue of each rose.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • With some of the most history, art, and culture in the world packed into this small country, as well as amazing food and wine, this is a culture vulture’s paradise.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Dominic Solanke works exceptionally hard but 15 goals in 42 appearances is not an amazing return from their club-record £65m striker.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • These mother-child relationships are wonderfully portrayed, but one of the series’ most astonishing details is Justin’s relationship with his father, Eric (Wood Harris).
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 May 2025
  • Americans are accustomed to U.S. companies delivering astonishing innovations with regularity, including the iPhone, cloud computing, the Tesla Model S, and ChatGPT.
    L. RAFAEL REIF, Foreign Affairs, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • Revival — Premieres Thursday, June 12 at 10 p.m. ET/PT On one miraculous day in rural Wisconsin, the recently deceased suddenly rise from their graves.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025
  • That Jia could make anything out of that flotsam and jetsam is astonishing, but his ability to not only recreate those time frames but craft all of it into a woozy, free-floating memory piece is miraculous.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • At the end of December 2022, Heine reflected on her incredible year with a heartfelt post on Instagram.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 19 May 2025
  • And defensive ends Jarvis Moss and Derrick Harvey led an incredible performance against season-long No. 1 Ohio State, holding Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith and the Buckeyes to 82 total yards.
    Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Aromas are reminiscent of beautiful Sicilian fields of wildflowers and olive trees with blackberry compote, fresh black currants with sweet tobacco, and a marvelous finishing note of smoldering earth that goes on and on along the sculpted tannins.
    Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • And how smart to hide her own sincerity inside this marvelous romp.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • The fact that Israel carried out the F-35s first combat mission is hardly surprising.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • If the ballroom dancing was unexpected, the evening’s entertainment in Clamecy was even more surprising.
    Rachel Howard, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • On Sunday night, Brennand will be the recipient of the Kering and Festival du Cannes 2025 Women in Motion Emerging Talent Award because of the stunning achievement that Manas is.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 18 May 2025
  • On March 15, 2024, a solar flare and an accompanying CME led to stunning auroras across the solar system, including on Mars.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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